Inspiration From Around the Globe for Future Design Trends

Jill Sands, aka The Trend Forecaster, travels the globe in search of inspiration for retailers and manufacturers. Extensive market research, analyzation techniques, and her intuition all play a role in her ability to forecast the upcoming trends that might soon influence consumers and their buying habits.

Sands forecasts several design trends in the Winter/Spring 2016 edition of her report that she says will be popular throughout 2016 - and beyond. Here, Sands discusses how they might inspire package designers and brand marketers.

Click through the slideshow above to view a few of Sands’ design inspirations for 2016.

Combine Classics In Modern Ways

Sands calls one popular design trend “Classic with a Modern Edge.” It’s about historical influences, including design elements from ancient Greece and Rome. The Greek Key, Celtic Knot and Laurel wreaths, shown above, are a few examples.

“In packaging, think about embellishments with a classic heritage, such as ribbons, contrast cording, pleats and origami folds,” says Sands. “Metals and jewels in warm gold will also be abundant this year," Sands says.

This trend is about using classic elements in modern ways. “Designers are mixing textures by combining rough metals with polished surfaces or layering patterns and colors,” she says. “Also think about pared-down styles that are simple and subdued, yet full of personality,” she adds.

The key to giving classics an edge, Sands explains, is to “mix in modern influences until the original classic inspirations are barely recognizable.”

Graffiti & Calligraphy Are Trending

Graffiti and calligraphy are two lettering styles that are both trends this year, according to Sands. “Consider them modern art forms,” she says. “Graffiti is being used in wall art, rugs, chandeliers, and fabric. In Paris, the Pont des Artes has substituted graffiti panels for the locks and keys that were removed last June. On the High Line in New York City, there is a series of 3 graffiti sculptures by Damian Ortega,” Sands explains.

As for calligraphy, Sands says: “Throughout Marrakech, Islamic prayers are written in calligraphy. It has become an art form unto itself.”

Sands names a few brands using graffiti and calligraphy, which include Uttermost, Corbett
Lighting, and Surya.

Aim for a Balance of Opposites

Another design trend is Balance. “Valentino once said that elegance is a balance between proportion, emotion, and surprise,” says Sands. “In packaging, this might mean mixing a classic look with unexpected colors,” she says.

Sands mentions how the ancient Greeks mastered the art of balance based on math using the Golden Ratio. “In design, aim for a balance between opposites,” she suggests. “Combine bright colors with mellow ones, large elements with small, or two opposing classic elements.”  

A recent display at the Ralph Lauren store in New York City had mannequins in formal evening attire posed alongside stacks of flannel shirts, which Sands says is an example of “unexpected balance.” “It surprises the consumer and looks modern,” she says. 

Another example is the unexpected color combinations Sands found at Jardin Marjorelle, a garden in Marrakech restored by Yves Saint Laurent. “The juxtapositions of the color combinations are invigorating, refreshing, clean, and energizing,” she says. (In the photo above left, Sands is standing in the garden, which is also in the slideshow above.).

Avoid being boring, Sands advises. “Use interesting details that will capture the consumer’s attention and draw them in. It’s the details that will sell a product,” she says. "And less is more," she continues, “Adding to a design just for the sake of adding will create an imbalance - and too much confuses the eye.”

Be Inspired By Ethnic Patterns

Ethnic influences are another design trend. “Ethnic influences aren’t literal this year - they are being resized and recolored until the original influence is barely recognizable,” Sands explains.

Patterns derived from Native American, African, South American, Eastern European, Moroccan and Asian influences are a part of this trend.

Consumers Want To Know a Brand’s Story

The next trend Sands describes is “Environment,” re-interpreted for 2016. "Authenticity and education are key - consumers want to know a brand's story," says Sands. She explains why she calls this trend "Environment," saying, "A concern for both our physical and personal environments has permeated society.”

This concern means that consumers want to know what is in a beauty product before buying it. “Consumers are also interested in how products are packaged, which greatly influences purchasing decisions,” says Sands, advising, “If you are using natural ingredients or recyclable packaging, tell consumers. Explain your brand’s philosophy, authenticity and environmental stewardship.”

These concerns will continue to grow throughout 2016 and beyond, Sands predicts, saying that they will soon become the new norm. “Consumers will continue to ask more questions about products and packaging. Brands should already be answering these questions. Consumers want to know everything about the heart and soul of their favorite brands,” she explains.

Final Tips

“It is not enough to just be on-trend," Sands explains. "Be inspired by these design influences and explain them to consumers by telling a ‘how and why’ story about your products. Give consumers an interesting back-story about your brand that they will want to share with friends."

Sands offers one last bit of advice: “Engage consumers in your design process, and you'll keep them engaged in your brand. Describe how your packaging tells your story. Consumers are listening - and the brands that are doing this will continue to keep them interested.”

Check out the design influences Sands says might influence packaging design this year in the slideshow above.


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